12/07/2009

Save Money on Exterior Lighting

In keeping with the theme of energy efficient lighting, I am now going to discuss ways in which one can save money on outdoor lighting. The issue of exterior lighting is especially pertinent at this current moment due to the sharp increase in crime.

Studies have shown that lighting is an effective deterrent to criminal activity. Hence, the better lit your premises are, the more difficult it is for criminals to engage in their nefarious activities.

There exists tremendous opportunity for savings on exterior lighting. One of the most commonly used light fixtures is the dusk-to-dawn fixture. These come equipped with 175wt metal halide bulbs. Assuming that one of these bulbs operates 12 hrs per day, based on the current electricity rates of $0.25 per KwH, the monthly cost attributed to its operation is $15.75. By replacing the 175wt metal halide bulb with a 85wt compact fluorescent bulb, the operating cost is reduced to $7.65. Thus, the monthly savings attributed to this retrofit is $8.10 or 51%.

This tremendous savings sacrifices no light output as the light produced by the 85wt CFL is equivalent to that produced by its metal halide counterpart.

Finally, the Return of Investment (ROI) is quite attractive for this retrofit. An 85wt CFL can be purchased for $28-$30 BSD. The labour associated with the retrofit of one fixture could range from $35- $55 BSD. Hence, on the high end of these estimates, the labour plus material totals $85.00 BSD ($30+$55). Hence, by saving $8.00 per month this simple investment will pay for itself in 10 months. Looks good, doesn’t it?